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Kapre

Philippine mythology

Kapre (related to the Agta in the Visayan dialect) is a Philippine mythical creature that could be characterized as a

tree demon, but with more human characteristics. It is described as being a tall (7 to 9 ft), brown, hairy male with abeard. Kapres are normally described as smoking a big tobacco pipe, whose strong smell would attract human

attention. The term kapre comes from the Arabic "kaffir", meaning a non-believer in Islam. The early Arabs and thMoors used it to refer to the non-Muslim Dravidians who were dark-skinned. The term was later brought to thePhilippines by the Spanish who had previous contact with the Moors. Some historians speculate that the legend was

propagated by the Spanish to prevent Filipinos from assisting any escaped African slaves.

Natural habitat and attire

Kapres are said to dwell in big trees like acacias, mangoes, bamboo and banyan (known in the Philippines as balete

It is also mostly seen sitting under those trees. The Kapre is said to wear the indigenous Northern Philippine loincloknown as bahag, and according to some, often wears a belt which gives the kapre the ability to be invisible to

humans. In some versions, the kapre is supposed to hold a magical white stone, a little smaller in size than a quail e

Should any person happen to obtain this stone, the kapre could grant wishes.

Behavior

Kapres are not necessarily considered to be evil, unlike the manananggal. Kapres may make contact with people to

offer friendship, or if it is attracted to a woman. If a Kapre befriends any human, especially because of love, the Kawill consistently follow its "love interest" throughout life. Also, if one is a friend of the Kapre then that person has

ability to see it and if they were to sit on it then any other person could see it.

Kapres are also said to play pranks on people, frequently making travelers become disoriented and lose their way inthe mountains or in the woods. They are also believe to have the ability to confuse people even in their own familia

surroundings; for instance, someone who forgets that they are in their own garden or home is said to have beentricked by a Kapre. Reports of experiencing Kapre enchantment include that of witnessing rustling tree branches, ev

if the wind is not strong. Some more examples would be hearing loud laughter coming from an unseen being,witnessing lots of smoke from the top of a tree, seeing big fiery eyes during night time from a tree, as well as actua

seeing a Kapre walking in forested areas. It is also believed that abundant fireflies in woody areas are the embers frthe Kapre's lit tobacco pipe.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kapre